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    95.7 The Boss 95.7

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    1690am The One 1690am The One

Start A New FM Radio Station

Background

On Thursday June 22, 2023, the FCC announced it will be opening a “filing window” for applying for new Low Power FM (LPFM) licenses. These are 100-watt non-commercial, educational FM broadcast stations on the FM broadcast band 88.1 FM -107.9 FM. This marks the first time since 2013 the FCC has opened such opportunity. These FM channels are set aside for schools, churches, non-profits, native groups, government or other educational institutions. The notice summarized the details for filling out Form 2100, Schedule 318 via the FCC Media Bureau’s electronic filing system — the Licensing and Management System (LMS). https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-531A1.pdf

It’s recommended that at least some type of technical consultant is consulted with concerning the channel engineering portion to assure its validity. Section 73.870 of the FCC rules dismisses all applications that are not compliant with FCC minimum station spacing rules, without the opportunity to amend the application. We encourage potential applicants to carefully review these filing procedures and requirements.

  •  All applications must be filed electronically (online) from the FCC’s Licensing and Management System. All applications can only be filed between November 1, 2023 to November 8, 2023 at 6pm EST.
  • It is highly recommended finding a broadcast tech/engineer to assist in applying for a radio channel. “While it may be possible for an application to be filed unassisted in some cases, many more cases, such as those where there are second-adjacent channel short spacing require someone who has access to systems that can determine field strength contours, understands the elevation patterns of various antenna configurations and understands the FCC’s requirements for waivers.”

 

The Boss Consultant Team can help you apply!

CALL William at 402-714-6482 for your FREE FM Channel Analysis, on the availability of a Low Power FM radio frequencies in your urban, suburban and rural communities. The Boss consultation team are CEO/GM Mr. William King Jr., KOWN-LP 95.7 The Boss and former Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry, is the co-author of the “Local Community Radio Act” legislation. (FCC LPFM – Local Community Radio Act Nov. 30, 2012 https://youtu.be/El5EbwTET70). Our mission is to create diverse knowledge and ethnic diversity through, local minority owned low power 100 watts community radio stations. The Boss team will work in concert with the Engineering Consultant and Attorney of any prospective nonprofit applicants with all FCC LPFM requirements. We will conduct a free preliminary frequency availability checks; help community groups to prepare an application; help increase organizational capacity; assist those groups through the application process; engineering study, submission of FCC application and then with the build process of your radio station. Our team will help the applicants prepare the strongest possible competitive application. LPFM Application Consulting Fees Range: ($500 deposit) $2000 min..- $5000 max..

November 1-8 is the open window to apply for a FCC licensed low power FM radio station in your city!

The FM Licensing Team has the knowledge, experience and success to guide you through the technical requirements to get on the

contact us

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN FM RADIO STATION?

Churches & Ministries

Religious organizations utilize LPFM to reach their local audience to share faith and community information.

Schools & Non-profits

LPFM has been successful in providing a voice for community organizations throughout the country. Music, local information and weather updates frequent program types

Tribal & Government

Local municipalities, high schools, colleges, tribal entities and many other local and regional government agencies use LPFM to provide critical information

THREE STEPS TO GETTING ON THE AIR

ALL THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!

Low Power FM (LPFM) is a 100 watt FM radio station license opportunity offered by the FCC to qualified applicants during an announce filing window period.  Since 2000 there have only been two opportunities to attain an LPFM license.  The window of November 1, 2023 through November 8, 2023 is the third and possibly the final opportunity to obtain an LPFM license.

The Boss consultation team are CEO/GM Mr. William King Jr., KOWN-LP 95.7 The Boss and former Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry, the author of the LPFM “Local Community Radio Act” legislation. Your organization and the Boss team will work in concert with our Radio Engineers and Attorney of any prospective nonprofit applicants to meet all FCC LPFM requirements. Our Boss team will conduct a free preliminary frequency availability checks, help community groups to prepare an application, help increase organizational capacity, assist those groups through the application process, engineering study, submission of FCC application and then with the build process of your radio station. Overall, our expertise includes consulting, integration and support for LPFM in rural and major market radio stations..

  • Educational institutions (accredited schools and colleges).
  • Educational organizations (non-profit corporations including churches and ministries)  501C3 is NOT required.
  • Government agencies that use the station for public safety purposes (police departments, fire departments, transportation agencies, emergency service agencies, etc.)
  • Tribal entities for the purpose of broadcasting to tribal land.

For-profit entities and individuals are not allowed to apply.  Forming a state recognized non-profit organization that is not a 501C3, with a “defined educational purpose” DOES QUALIFY!

The FCC licensing process is very demanding.  We make no guarantees you will receive a license, however, our success rate is better than 95%.  It’s absolutely critical to follow our consulting advice to establish yourself as the best candidate for a frequency.

The FCC does not allow LPFM to run “ads.” However, an LPFM radio station can air “underwriting announcements.”  Underwriting announcements can be similar to ads, however they do not include a call to action, such as “get here for the best deals.”   We can advise on the grey area between ads and underwriting.The FCC does not allow LPFM to run “ads.” However, an LPFM radio station can air “underwriting announcements.”  Underwriting announcements can be similar to ads, however they do not include a call to action, such as “get here for the best deals.”   We can advise on the grey area between ads and underwriting.

Yes.  Although we are the authority in LPFM licensing and are committed to filing singularly for available frequencies, occasionally an outside entity will apply.   The FCC provides an opportunity to resolve frequency, time share and organizational conflicts following the licensing period.  This is defined as an MX situation.  Our team can assist in navigating an MX challenge.

75% of the board members of an LPFM must have a listed local address within 20 miles of the LPFM transmitter.  This allows maximum flexibility, but maintains the goal of LPFMs providing local information

LPFMs are legally licensed FM radio stations.  You can air any content that meets the requirements of other AM and FM radio stations.  LPFM are required to air a mandated amount of local information.  Music and spoken word are both fine.  LPFM cannot simulcast another station.

Yes and no.  You cannot outright sell an LPFM license.  However you can transfer an LPFM license to another non-profit or qualified organization that meets LPFM requirements.  You can recoup the cost of equipment and the original construction costs of the LPFM.

The FCC has requirements that must be met regarding all broadcast equipment.  We’re here to guide you through the process of getting your station on the air.  Be warned, as an LPFM station, violating FCC rules subjects your organization to the same laws as other AM and FM stations.  Fines for violations typically start at $10,000.  Do not buy your equipment from a non-FCC certified dealer.

FM is a line of sight technology.  The higher the broadcasting antenna, the further the distance.   We will provide you with a coverage map of your proposed signal.  Typically LPFMs can be heard from several miles to 30 miles away.  

Feel free to contact us

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